President Isaac Herzog has formally tasked opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government. Following an inconclusive election on Oct. 27, where no side secured a majority in the Knesset, Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has been given the first opportunity to build a governing coalition.
Eisenkot stated that veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brought the country to a historic crisis and is approaching a point of no return. He expressed a desire to restore sanity and bridge the deep polarization caused by Netanyahu's hard-right rule and three years of war. During a ceremony in Jerusalem, Eisenkot called for leadership that represents all parts of society, acts in the public interest, and is trustworthy.
The task presents significant political challenges, as Eisenkot lacks a clear parliamentary majority. Building a coalition will require creative and unconventional political steps and complicated negotiations with divided minor parties. While an alliance with Arab Israeli parties is a mathematical possibility, it remains politically sensitive.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension of 14 days, totaling up to six weeks. Despite his criticisms of the current leadership, Eisenkot indicated he is open to including Benjamin Netanyahu in the coalition. If he fails to secure a majority, the mandate to form a government will likely revert to caretaker Prime Minister Netanyahu.